Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread a moist, festive loaf combining the sweetness of ripe bananas, tangy bursts of cranberries, and the crunch of chopped nuts. This bread is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting treat on chilly mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Holiday Perfect: The combination of bananas, cranberries, and spices makes it ideal for festive occasions.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in just a few simple steps and requires no special equipment.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a delightful dessert.
Customizable: You can easily substitute nuts or add extra spices for a personalized touch.
Great Make-Ahead: Stays moist and delicious for days, making it an excellent option to bake ahead.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/4 tsp nutmeg for a holiday flavor
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender loaf.
Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped nuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 245 kcal per slice
Variations
Fruit Options: Swap cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a different flavor profile.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts or replace them with chocolate chips.
Whole-Grain Twist: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for a more festive flavor.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Extend freshness by keeping it in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
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FAQs
How can I prevent my bread from becoming too dense?
Mix the batter gently and avoid overmixing to keep the loaf light and tender.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. There’s no need to thaw them before adding to the batter.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use plant-based oil or butter.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
Place bananas in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. Let them cool before mashing.
Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
Conclusion
This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and festive ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed up later, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is a moist, festive loaf bursting with ripe banana sweetness, tangy cranberries, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings, breakfast, or as a cozy snack.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in cranberries and chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
For a nut-free version, omit nuts or replace with chocolate chips.
To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based oil.
Perfect as a make-ahead treat—stays moist for days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 slices
- Calories: 245 kcal
